Two copperpod trees uprooted on Sampige Road

BENGALURU: Two huge and old Peltophorum aka copperpod trees that provided shade to pedestrians opposite Mantri Square Mall on Sampige Road, Malleswaram, were uprooted on Sunday night. Residents of the locality say haphazard pipe-laying work carried out by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) brought down the trees. Nataraj BR, a resident, said the utility has been carrying out pipe-laying works for 20 days and had excavated earth up to 10ft for the same. “We told them the digging could pose danger to the trees and loosen their roots. We didn’t want to lose these healthy and big trees. But our worst fears came true on Sunday night. The contractors deployed by the utility were rude and didn’t even have the patience to listen to us,” he alleged. BBMP range forest officer Shivaram A confirmed the trees were healthy. “The digging work loosened the roots. We had told BWSSB officials not to carry out work during monsoon. Sunday night’s rain weakened the roots further and the trees fell. It took us a lot of time to clear the trees and traffic flow was affected in the process. The trees were at least 25 years old,” he added.

Another resident of Malleswaram suspects it’s the work of miscreants. “Vehicles are often seen parked on the opposite side of Mantri Square Mall. Getting rid of the trees could be a way to create more space for parking,” he added. Navaneeth, assistant executive engineer (waste water management), BWSSB said they are laying large pipes in front of the mall before which the trees stood. “I think the trees fell due to heavy rain, just like those that have been uprooted in other parts of the city. However, I will seek a report on this,” he added.